Linda L. Moreland

Linda L. Moreland, age 71, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Linda was born on August 18, 1954 in Oshkosh, WI, daughter of Joel and Louise (Prellwitz) Velie. She graduated from Ripon High School in 1972, and went on to work as an office manager for a realtor before becoming a stay-at-home mom, devoting herself to raising her family and running the household.

Linda was the glue that held her family together. Anyone who knew her recognized her handwriting immediately, always in red pen, whether she was jotting a note or dating the back of a photograph. She rarely went far without a Diet Coke in hand. Family trips were a highlight of the year, from camping in their fifth-wheel trailer in Wisconsin Dells, to annual winter trips to Florida, where Disney World was always the main destination. Those Florida trips left her with a lasting love of palm trees and dolphins. Mickey Mouse was always her favorite character, and she carried a Mickey Mouse purse everywhere she went. As the years went on, that love stayed close to home, growing into a collection that came out in full every Christmas. She was a devoted Cher fan, collector of Raggedy Ann memorabilia, and could recite her favorite movies, Bringing Down the House and Taxi, by heart. She loved the sight of a cardinal and the thrill of hunting down old Dick and Jane books. She was devoted to her dogs over the years, the last of whom passed away just a few months before she did.

Linda is survived by her partner of 36 years, Gary Liefke; two sons, Matthew Liefke and Shane (Elijah) Grahn; a sister, Norma (Michael) Heiden; a brother, Christian (Shelly) Velie; a special nephew, Roger (Michelle) Velie and their children, Josh, Austin, and Paige; along with other nieces; nephews; and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joel and Louise Velie. Linda will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life for Linda will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm, at the Ripon Senior Center, 388 Murray Park Dr., Ripon, WI 54971. A memorial is being established in her name; those wishing to contribute may do so at the Celebration of Life.